Even though there is a lot of illegal stuff on the dark web, it is also a place where people go to avoid being watched, get information in countries with a lot of control, and do other legal things. More seriously, free VPNs – particularly those offered as standalone services – sometimes make money by selling your data to third parties. These aren’t the type of products you should use to keep you safe while exploring the dark web. One of the problems with free VPNs is that they have a poor user-to-server ratio, with too many users and not enough servers. This is not what you want when also using the Tor network, as the two in conjunction will be painfully slow.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to browse the dark web safely and securely.
What Is Tor?
Thanks to the onion routing used in this network, no node can know both the origin and destination of a message. Tor (The Onion Router) is FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) that allows you to send messages over the Tor network of onion routing nodes. The Tor project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that maintains the Tor software. The Brave browser is a privacy-oriented Surface web browser that can also connect to the Tor network. To provide more secure access to the Tor network, in 2020 Brave launched its own Tor Onion Service. It is designed for anonymous web browsing, and has various features (and limitations) that help achieve this.
What is the Dark Web?
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The dark web is a network of websites that are not indexed by search engines and are only accessible through specialized software. These websites are often used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and child pornography. However, there are also legitimate uses for the dark web, such as whistleblowing, political activism, and secure communication.
What to avoid on Tor?
- Avoid sharing your personal data. Once you enter your Facebook, Google, or any other account, you are not anonymous anymore.
- Turn on the safest mode.
- Visit only HTTPS websites.
- Don't click on suspicious links.
- Update your antivirus software.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN).
How to Access the Dark Web
When the dark web is mentioned online, it is usually in tandem with criminal marketplaces and arrests made by law enforcement agencies. Researchers from Recorded Future estimated that while there are more than 55,000 existing onion domains, only 8,400 (or roughly 15%) of these sites were active. This means that the total network of live dark web sites is only about 0.005% of the size of the surface web. Services like Random Chat connects you with random people using the same service.
To access the dark web, you will need to use a specialized browser called Tor. Tor stands for “The Onion Router” and is designed to provide anonymity and security. It works by routing your internet connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers, which makes it difficult to trace your online activity.
Accessing ‘Hidden Services’
Step 1: Download and install the Tor browser from the official website.
Step 2: Open the Tor browser and wait for it to connect to the network.
Who created the dark web?
The dark web is known to have begun in 2000 with the release of Freenet, the thesis project of University of Edinburgh student Ian Clarke, who set out to create a "Distributed Decentralised Information Storage and Retrieval System." Clarke aimed to create a new way to anonymously communicate and share files online.
Step 3: Once connected, you can browse the dark web by typing in the URL of a dark web site.
ML & Data Science
Staying Safe on the Dark Web
Once you’ve entered the dark web, it can be incredibly difficult to find your way around. You might be put off by the seemingly random .onion addresses and rudimentary website layouts. There are also lots of CAPTCHAs to solve before you can access websites. To access the dark web using a VPN, we recommend using the Onion over VPN method, which involves connecting to a VPN server before connecting to the Tor Browser. The Apple App Store and the Google Play Store are also filled with fake apps that are not safe to use.
- However, the deep web can also host illegal content such as pirated media.
- Many dark web websites contain only information rather than the ability to buy or sell something.
- Familiarize yourself with the laws in your jurisdiction, and be mindful of the content you’re accessing.
- It uses a similar technique to other browsers – which is routing the communication through different nodes.
Browsing the dark web can be dangerous, and it is important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips for staying safe:
This way, visitors to the website can remain anonymous if they want to. In many ways, the risks of the ‘Dark Web’ are the same as those that may be encountered in the ‘Open Web’. Young people in both environments may access pornography, indecent images of children, or sites selling drugs and weapons. Tor itself is not the ‘Dark Web’ but instead is a way in which to browse both the Open and Dark Web without anyone being able to identify the user or track their activity. We continuously monitor activities or policy violations providing cloud and network virtualized containment, as well as threat hunting SOC Services, and 24/7 eyes on glass threat management.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN will encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address, making it more difficult for others to track your online activity.
- Do not download any files: Downloading files from the dark web can be dangerous and may contain malware or viruses.
- Do not give out personal information: Be cautious when providing any personal information, such as your name, address, or phone number.
- Use strong passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for each site you visit.
- Beware of phishing scams: Be cautious of any emails or messages that ask for personal information or request you to click on a link.
Conclusion
Can the government see what you search on Tor?
While it provides better anti-tracking features than most browsers, Tor isn't a standalone solution for protecting your digital identity. Your ISP and government agencies can still see when you're using Tor and your IP address is visible to the entry node.
Browsing the dark web can be a fascinating and informative experience, but it is important to take steps to protect yourself. By using a VPN, avoiding downloads, being cautious with personal information, using strong passwords, and being aware of phishing scams, you can browse the dark web safely and securely.
Is my password on the dark web?
Other Ways to Check if Your Email and Password Are on the Dark Web: Use a Reputable Dark Web Scan Tool: There are several reputable platforms available online that can scan the dark web for your data. Some examples include HaveIBeenPwned, Experian, and IdentityGuard.
